While some of Brussels may have been on February school break, EU policy certainly was not. Read on for updates on recycled plastics, wastewater extended producer responsibility, and new findings on the circular economy!
SUPD recycled plastic rules and EU preference clarified: On 13 February, the Commission published an implementing decision laying down rules for the calculation, verification and reporting of recycled plastic content in single-use plastic beverage bottles.
General Court rejects industry appeals against wastewater EPR: On 18 February, the General Court of the EU dismissed and declared inadmissible the actions brought by Cosmetics Europe, EFPIA and several pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies seeking annulment of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme introduced to finance wastewater depollution (Case T-156/25, Case T-158/25, Case T-169/25).
Council adopts water pollutants update: On 17 February, the Council formally adopted stricter water quality rules updating the lists of pollutants to be monitored in surface and groundwater.
Sweden assesses incineration under carbon market: On 18 February, Sweden’s Environmental Protection Agency published a report on its experience integrating waste incineration into the EU ETS.
Commission reopens consultation on municipal waste loss rates: On 17 February, the Commission opened feedback on a draft delegated act harmonising calculation and verification rules for average loss rates in sorted municipal waste.
EEA assesses circular economy’s climate mitigation potential: On 19 February, the European Environment Agency published a briefing on the contribution of circular economy measures to climate mitigation. The analysis highlights the role of material efficiency and waste management in emission reductions.
Commission clarifies green waste is not a by-product: On 17 February, the Commission replied to a parliamentary question stating that pruning and vegetation maintenance do not constitute a ‘production process’ under the Waste Framework Directive.
Plastic recycling crisis raised in Parliament: On 7 February, an MEP submitted a parliamentary question highlighting structural challenges in Italy’s plastic recycling sector, including the saturation of sorting facilities and competitiveness gaps between virgin and recycled polymers.
ITRE hearing on European Competitiveness Fund: On 25 February, the ITRE Committee will hold a public hearing on the ‘European Competitiveness Fund’, as announced by the European Parliament.
ITRE to debate steel and metals action plan: On 26 February, the ITRE Committee will hold a topical debate on the implementation of the steel and metals action plan, as indicated in the European Parliament’s committee agenda.
Council backs ETS2 market stability reserve: On 18 February, EU ambassadors formally adopted the Council’s position on a targeted amendment of the ETS2 market stability reserve.
Think tank warns against weakening ETS: On 10 February, Institut Montaigne published an analysis warning that weakening or delaying the EU ETS would undermine investment certainty, climate credibility and innovation incentives.
NGOs call for ambitious REACH revision: On 19 February, environmental organisations including EEB, ChemSec and ClientEarth published a joint statement urging EU institutions to reject ‘deregulation disguised as simplification’ in the REACH revision.
